I like both names but my preference is Gabriel. It's one of those "softer" boys names that appeal to me and I love the archangel connection with the name. I also like the fact that its versatility allows it to crossover cultures and races. Gideon is certainly less popular but it has a different vibe. It has more of a country and western twang to it (giddy-up!) and would probably blend into all of the other names that end in "n".

I strongly prefer Gideon. It has a much stronger, masculine feel to me than Gabriel.
I find it's slightly awkward sound very appealing in comparison to the more sing-songy Gabriel.
I also really like nn's Gid or Eon over Gabe.

I've had this conversation with my husband.... we both love the story of the Biblical Gideon, and when I hear it, I LOVE it-- but as a name, I definitely prefer Gabriel over Gideon. It seems more approachable somehow. I think we'll end up using Gabriel as a first name, and perhaps Gideon as a middle.

I think I've only met/know of one Gideon in my entire lifetime (other than Biblical). It created a great conversation of Christian witness between his mom and I that we certainly would not have had otherwise. So in that way I can clearly see it's value. I can honestly say that if a person uses Gideon, there are so few in the world that you'd pretty much know his namesake was Biblical. I find it awkward that taiki_bansei knows a girl named Gideon.... probably the same people who'd name their daughter Genesis.

I love the name Gabe. I've only known a few, but they were always awesome people. One is a dear friend of mine & in my age group it was such a unique name. I prefer the name Gideon over Gabriel though as it feels stronger. I dislike the lack of nickname, but if it's Gabriel vs Gideon, Gideon gets my vote!